Per the NWC, "The Distinguished Service Award honors coaches, faculty athletic representatives, athletic directors, and other administrators who have given outstanding service to the NWC. Nominees for this award are approved by the NWC's Board of Athletics Administrators."

Hanson was inducted into the Puget Sound Hall of Fame in October 2016. He retired following the 2015 season, in which the Loggers went undefeated and captured their 14th-consecutive Northwest Conference title. In 20 seasons, Hanson posted a 303-74-36 overall record for a .777 winning percentage at the helm of the Loggers. His teams posted a 16-10-6 record in the NCAA Tournament, and Puget Sound advanced to the national championship game in 2004. A 12-time NWC Coach of the Year and three-time West Region Coach of the Year, Hanson guided 16 All-Americans, 73 All-Region selections, 72 All-NWC First Team honorees, and 17 NWC Players of the Year.

Hanson is one of seven recipients for the Distinguished Service Award in 2017.